Objective: To describe the chiropractic management of a pediatric patient with significant birth trauma suffering from recurrent otitis media and vertebral subluxations.

Clinical Features: A 16-month old male with a history of recurrent ear infections presented to the office with his mother for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. The ear infections began at the age of fourteen months and since then he has had four medically diagnosed bilateral ear infections all treated with antibiotic therapy without resolution. The mother sought out chiropractic care in order to avoid the insertion of tympanostomy tubes recommended by the pediatrician.

Interventions and Outcomes: The patient began care with bilateral ear infections. Care began with a chiropractic examination, utilizing paraspinal thermal scans, motion palpation, and static palpation. Vertebral subluxations were identified and cared for utilizing the Activator instrument and sustained contacts. Cranial adjusting, sinus work, and soft tissue effleurage of SCM’s were also utilized. The patient showed immediate decrease in symptomatology in the first week of care and during the fourth week of care had an appointment with the pediatrician revealing bilateral ear infections to be resolved. The patient continues under chiropractic care and has not had any recurrence of ear infections.

Conclusions: The reduction of vertebral subluxation through chiropractic care resulted in decreased symptomatology associated with otitis media and the patient was able to avoid the insertion of tympanostomy tubes.